What a week! We signed the documents for the Refugee House, got the keys, took possession, changed the locks and the first family arrived April 1st (no fooling!). We’re so thankful the Lord provided for us to put a 40% downpayment on the house, through many of your triple-matched donations!! Seeing God work to bring everything together in His perfect timing is so humbling, so inspiring, such a blessing that we want to share all of it with all of you at our banquet on May 10th!
For now, here are some details about the house:
- It’s a 4 bedroom house
- Basement is a walk out separate unit
- It’s an end unit so minimal annoyance to neighbours
- The House backs on to a forest!
- Finally, the House shares a fence with a local school where refugee kids can walk without having to cross one street!
Why do we ever doubt that God provides?? It took 2.5 years of blood, sweat and prayers and donations from over 200 donors from all over the world. One donation of Euros came from Ireland, delivered by a missionary from Canada who had been visiting when a local church heard about the need and took an offering. We stand amazed!!! Now that we are “up and running”, the downpayment triple match is over, but we are left with a fairly manageable mortgage, so thank you again for those who gave.
Now as we transition to operating the house there are still many ways to help and give:
- Give towards mortgage: we have a 25 year mortgage at $500,000 (3000/month)
- Buy new household items: We have set up an Amazon wish list. Any items purchased from the list will be delivered to the house. We will add items as we have needs, so check back from time to time at:
https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3DGY7FTTJM1WK?ref_=wl_share - Donate good condition used household items as refugees do not have their own beds, lamps, rugs, appliances etc
- Help with projects: a list will be posted on the website but for now here are a few:
- Washer/dryer install upstairs project
- Fence Gate installation project
- Basement kitchen project
- Ring doorbell and rear floodlight installation project
- Front screen door project (broken front door)
(Special thanks to Lucy at Adam House and Jacky and Anne at Matthew House ministries here in Toronto for their excellent help, recommendations and advice. Please pray for them as they welcome refugees)